Photo by John Shirreffs
Happy Sunday Morning,
I am so excited! A car is driving up the road…and I think it is my CA FAMILY.
I can’t wait to see everyone. I have so many things to tell them…and to share with them. They have not seen me in the paddock with my friends. I know they have met them in the barn area on their last visit, but they have not personally seen all of us out there playing and running together.
I also want them to see how fabulous my ‘winter coat’ looks and how I am adjusting so well to my new lifestyle.
In turn, I want a complete update on ALL of my BARN 55 friends and how they are doing.
I know JOHN will have tons of photos to share with all of you once he gets back to LA.
After our visit…my CA FAMILY will be off to FLORIDA for the ECLIPSE AWARDS. They take place on Monday night. You may watch them on TVG.
At this time, I personally want to thank all of you for all of your LOVE AND SUPPORT! PLEASE…keep your fingers crossed! I know one thing for sure, I know I could not be the horse I AM without the HELP and LOVE of so many people.
Like I said in yesterday’s DIARY…I AM SO PROUD TO KNOW ALL OF YOU!
With Love,
Hugs to ALL!
Z
Kimberly
GOOD LUCK QUEEN Z!!!! YOU DESERVED HORSE OF THE YEAR FOR THE LAST TWO YEARS!!! I HOPE YOU DON’T GET RIPPED OFF AGAIN…..
Debi Hamari
Beautiful Queen Zenyatta and team,
My heart’s words are spoken by Karen Mitchell,
“while many horses (both famous and personal) have captured our hearts and souls (Barbaro did that to me), you are in a rarified category the likes of which I have never seen. You are the heart horse of tens of thousands of people of all ages, walks of life, diverse backgrounds, and you make our hearts and souls dance with joy.”
You have given many hope and strength and love and you are Horse of the Year, the Horse of our lifetimes in our hearts already.
Please ask your family to post videos as you and your team win the award as some of us do not have cable to see it. All our hearts and thoughts are with you and your family and team.
Love and hugs!
Diana
Zenny, you are a winner already! Love and hugs!!
Kathy
My Zen Goddess will not be denyed.You have won the hearts of all Americans and
I am sure you have won the hearts of all the voters.I just wish you could be in Miami to accept your award. God bless you,
and all your team.
Mike
Have seen the two greatest of all time Z and Big Red. Just doesn’t get any better than that.
Colleen in IL
You will win..in my heart!
The Kennedys in San Diego
You are one of a handful of Thoroughbred greats. We know we will never see another like you. We are hoping that they do the right thing and honor you this year with the Horse of the Year title. But then you are so very much more than that title could possibly convey.
Leslie R.
Hi Zenny, I hope you are having a lovely visit with your Cali family! I’m looking forward to hearing all about your visit and seeing the pictures that John takes.
I have my fingers crossed that you get Horse of the Year! You deserve it!! Good luck, sweet girl!
Love you,
Leslie
Joan
HI Z,
You have the spirit , heart and soul of a warrior and at the BCC you ran like one.It was the single greatest race I have ever witnessed in person or on TV.
The power was amazing.You were in “the zone”. It was your finest moment.
From a financial standpoint, the attendance at the BC would have been
abissmal, the crowds were there for you Z,I understand that they attribute the attendance was up 26% because of you. That is what a HOY is,they make the sport shine, garner publicity. BC used in online videos and advertising on both TVG and HRTV, you were the product, not Blame.
Churchill Downs had you all over their website, Miss Z, you made horse racing last year.
SO, in the end the turf writers had a opportunity to send a new message, alas, I fear they have failed. Any other owner would have retired you, that is the in vogue thing to do, retire after the 3 year old season, get those stud fees. The Moss’however set a example, that we don’t know yet if others will follow. The sport has so few stars, I mean real stars, that is what you brought to the sport Miss Z and the Moss’ were generous enough to share with racing. So far, the turf writers haven’t seen it, but it was there and you were there all along. Giving your all, your very best. HOY, that doesn’t come close to what you gave the sport, nothing close.
Now you can live a different life, and you will be a champion in this next phase. You have so much more than any HOY in the past or in the future will ever have, you have a wonderful, loving and caring family, fans who will never forget you , a future full of happiness and peeps that always put you first.
Love you Z.
Catherine Uher
Bob and Rose Kelly took the words right out of my mouth! What a fun post, Z! I’m so excited for you that you get to see your family and I hope they will get the chance to see you and all of your new friends running and playing in the paddock! I’m just so excited for all of you tomorrow night! I can’t wait to watch it on TVG! I guess I’ll be recording The Bachelor as you are way more important! :) I love you so much beaatiful girl and every time I log on to FB and see your diary post, a big smile just spreads across my face! Can’t wait to see John’s photos and hopefully some videos! It is just simply breathtaking to watch you running and having fun! And I definitely think a book of your life in photos would be awesome! That would be a great way to raise money for horses that aren’t as lucky as you and it could be called the “Zenyatta Monarchy: Follow The Queen To Greener Pastures For Horses In Need!” :) Enjoy your day sweet girl!
Lynette Lucas
I can’t wait to see the pictures either!!! I hope you had a good time with your CA family!!!!
You are my horse of the year for all time!!!!
sue
@Joan…Oh my goodness. What a lovely post. I continue to hope though that she finally gets HOY. If not, the industry will suffer not our magnificient mare and her wonderful connections.
Lauren
Dear Zenyatta – the pleasure is all ours to have you in our lives. You are the horse of a lifetime – one that will always be loved and adored. I hope you have a wonderful visit with your CA family. I am sure they must miss you very much. Love you Zenyatta.
AJ from CA
Dear Z – Congrats on your NY Times front cover story! It’s obvious that the majority of sports writers have come to recognize what a phenomenon you have become and how remarkable you are in everything you do. The great Man O’ War was truly “King of horses” with the spirit of a lion king and now we finally have the “Queen of horses” in you, your royal highness! With 19 out of 19 straight and 20 by a “tongue” there is no way you should be denied HOY this time. There is no other horse today that comes even close to how much you’ve contributed to horse racing….wish they could annoint you “Good Will Ambassador of the Century!”
The Kennedys in San Diego
Congratulations, John, on Mr. Commons’ first place finish.
Ingrid in MA
Lovin’ you is EASY Zenny! No one could ask for a better friend – you’re MAGNIFICENT, yet so humble about it all. It just makes you that much MORE endearing. You’re one of the “POPULAR” girls, but you’re not snooty, you’re the girl that everyone in school wanted for a friend, and GOT!
As for those NY JETS…. they’re playing MY N.E.PATRIOTS today….. but seriously – who’s more worthy of a front-page cover story – the Superest Mare of ALL TIME or a dumb football team?? You know OUR answer!!!
I’ve got every possible body part crossed for the awards tomorrow night. If there’s any justice in the world – and horseracing – you and your fabulous Team Z will take home every award you’re nominated for. Especially HOTY – who could deny a NYTIMES Front Page Cover Girl such an award??
No matter what happens, we will always LOVE YOU, ZENYATTA, just for being Wonderful YOU.
KICK BUTT TEAM Z!!!!!! ~Ingrid
Irene Caty
Dearest Zenyatta, Queen of them all, we have finally come down to the big event for you and that is HOTY. We all know that it surely is the defination of you and I do pray that it will be seen that way by those who do the voteing to determine HOTY. I am very excited for you and the entire Z-Team. No matter how it turns out you have to know that all of your fans who love you so very much do concider you HOTY and more than that, the female horse of the decade. We all know that you have done so much for the horse industry and your raceing talent alone is unbelieveable. You are also the Danceing Queen, you love children and besides all of your talent,you are very smart. It takes all of that to be you. You are very precious Zenny. Have a great day with your California family. They miss you alot and wow will they be surprised to see all the hair you have grown. Show off for them when you run in the paddock with your friends. The best of luck to you for tomorrow and we love you very much.
Robbie Pfeufer Kahn
To Kathryn Cogswell: Lovely post about The Horse of Tomorrow.
Dear Zenyatta: I can’t remember whether I read this perhaps unique fact in a post or in a newspaper article: No horse has ever passed you on the race track! Ever.
Much love and respect–Robbie
Kari Bussell
I hope you have a splendid day with your friends.You Are the BEST!! We love you so…I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed, praying and sending all my positive energy to you.
I am thrilled to know you to as I am quite sure everyone else is. Love Aways for you my Champion Queen Zenyatta.
Deana Dameron
@Sharon-I think one of the only awards of Z’s that you forgot was the mirror ball trophy w/Dancing w/the Stars! LOL! Seriously, Zenyatta and Team Z I am so happy that you get to spend some time together before the awards. You have so much to catch-up on. I know they will spoil you to death, as well as your gal pals. I cannot wait to see all of the pics you have to share and I as well as all of your fans have every eye, finger, toe, arm, feet, etc. crossed for you to win your well earned HOTY award. You are such a great inspiration to us all and I really miss seeing you on the track but I know that you will be a great MUM-MUM of the year! Your new man will be blessed with your presence as we all have been. With all of your success with the press and charitable contributions you ought to negotiate publishing the picture of your first foal now with People Magazine. You could donate millions to your favorite charities. It will be a #1 best seller for the magazine!
Margaret
Z I hope you get HOY tomorrow. But win lose or draw you are so much more than HOY–you are Horse of a Lifetime. Just super special. The fact that you let so many two leggeds come and visit you, letting us take pics a kazillion every day and not nipping or biting anyone–you are just very very special.
And I can attest to the specialness of your hugs as I got one on my very first visit with you.
So come on all you silly two leggeds that vote HOY and do the right thing. Vote this mare her most deservedly honor. It’s ;the least you can do for her.
Hugs Z. I’m glad that you seem so at ease at the farm. It eases the hurt and sadness everyday knowing that you are happy and settling in.
Jenna
A closing thought on HOY. It doesn’t matter to me, and I’m thinking most of us on this diary and on her FB page, and who care about Zenyatta, in general.
I think most ‘awards’ never seem fair and never go the way we (I) want them. She’s go in the Hall of Fame pronto. Sadly, will Blame? She has so much love from so many people. Then I watch the video of Blame going to Clairborne Farm and it made me so teary. I felt bad for him. Hardly anyone there to greet him.
Zenyatta is loved by so many and will be forevevr. HOY or not.
:)
Jenna
Almost forgot!
Nighty night, Z. Sleep tight.
Debbie Bassett
Z- I’m so excited that you get to see your CA family. We sure miss you here in CA. No matter what happens tomorrow, hands down, YOU ARE Horse of the Year! You have won our hearts. We are so proud of you and all Team Z.. I was never into horse racing until you came into my world. It was so special to meet you face to face before you left CA. You will always hold a special place in my heart. I look forward to the announcement of who gets to be Mr. Right. I agree with Mike Smith– there isn’t a stallion out there good enough for you. You’re a once in a lifetime kinda gal! Good luck tomorrow! You deserve the very best!! (Thanks Dottie for writing for Z. We check in very day)
Shari Voltz
Dearest Zenyatta I agree with Margaret you are HORSE OF A LIFTIME. If they can’t see it shame on them. We (all of your fans) can get together and give you the HOY award because we all know it is yours sweetie. I ordered a beautiful blanket with your picture on it. I can’t wait to get it. I also ordered another Zenyatta shirt. I just am so proud of you. Have a great time with your family. They are such good caring people. I am sure they will love seeing you happy and watching you with the girls. I am going to try to see if we get the channel to watch the awards. My area is a little behind the times and we don’t get all of the channels on our cable. Have a wonderful visit and may God always watch over you sweet, sweet girl. Lots of Hugs and Kisses from Shari in Ohio
Derby*Ann
Oh, Miss Z. I tried to talk a Louisville sports writer into voting for you for Horse of the Year. Haven’t heard what that person decided, but you will always be horse of the year in our hearts. Welcome to Kentucky.
Robin A.B.
So, guess what?? A friend of mine (not a horse person) is now totally IN LOVE with Z after reading the NYT article. Love it! And LOVE Team Zenyatta for the devotion that all horses deserve. God Bless You All!
Robin
I LOVE you team Z!! Good luck, I will be watching and praying for what you SO DESERVE!! Miss you in Cali Zenny! Stay safe and warm big girl!! MUAH!!! XOXO
Wendy Bratten
Zenyatta you are so beautiful and so gentle and sweet. You are a beautiful star. Enjoy your California family!
Joan
I hope you are having a wonderful visit with your CA family, Zenyatta. I want you to win HOTY so badly, Zenyatta. We fans certainly would have voted you HOTY as we have done in every poll I’ve seen. Whatever happens, you will always be OUR HOTY and certainly the best horse I’ve seen in over 30 years. The most important thing will always be that you are happy and healthy. We all love you so much.